Donor Recognition

Benefactors are invited to participate in the current life of the College, and in helping to shape its future, through regular reports on the impact of their gifts and the College's future plans, and invitations to Clare functions.

Clare is happy to recognise major benefactions by naming bursaries, scholarships, Fellowships and other College posts, and public rooms. Current examples include the Christina Benn Bursary, the Leventis Scholarship, the G.R. Elton Graduate Studentship, and The Gillespie Centre. For further information about the various naming opportunities connected with the College's new court, click here.

At the Commemoration of Benefactors service, held each year in the Chapel in the Lent Term, the Master reads the list of those whose vision and philanthropy have made Clare what it is today. Our foundress, Lady Elizabeth de Clare, is remembered side-by-side with more recent benefactors such as Paul Mellon.

The Development Director is happy to discuss with donors the most appropriate way of recognising a gift.


Elizabeth de Clare Fellows   £500,000

The Governing Body of the College elects Elizabeth de Clare Fellows on the recommendation of the Master, to recognise individuals who, through generous benefaction, contribute to the present and future life of the College. Elizabeth de Clare Fellows are officially recognised as senior members of the College. They are listed, together with the Fellows and Honorary Fellows, in the special issue of the University Reporter published at the start of each academic year. As full members of the Senior Combination Room, Elizabeth de Clare Fellows enjoy the same rights and privileges as Honorary Fellows.


Member of the Master's Circle   £100,000

The Master's Circle recognises the College's leading benefactors. Membership is automatically conferred on donors who have made a gift or pledge of £100,000 (net) or more. since 1 January 2006. Members are invited with their spouses/partners to an annual dinner hosted by the Master in his private dining room in the Lodge - a rare opportunity to discuss Clare's current and future plans with the Master and other College Officers.


Member of the 1326 Society   £25,000

The 1326 Society recalls the year of the College's foundation. Membership is automatically conferred on donors who have made a gift or pledge of £25,000 (net) or more in the five previous years. Members are invited with their spouses/partners to the annual Benefactors' Concert and Dinner and to a special event each year, for example a champagne breakfast in the Master's Lodge or a private viewing of the College silver collection.


Benefactor   £10,000

Benefactor status is conferred on donors who have made a gift or pledge of £10,000 (net) or more in the three previous years. Benefactors are invited with a guest to the annual Benefactors' Concert and Dinner, held in January.


Leadership gifts  £5,000

The College is pleased to offer donors who make a leadership gift (defined as a gift or pledge of between £5,000 and £10,000 (net) in the three previous years) a complimentary pair of tickets to the CCMS May Week Concert or a complimentary pair of tickets to the annual Alumni Day.


The Samuel Blythe Society

The Samuel Blythe Society is named after the 17th century Master of Clare whose generous bequest to the College guaranteed its continuing success and prosperity. The Society has been established to recognise during their lifetime those who have made provision for Clare in their will. Members of the Society are invited with their spouses/partners to an annual lunch in College, hosted by the Master and Fellows, on the second Saturday of May.